MINUTES - Council Inaugural - 20221115 1
Town of Aurora
Council Inaugural
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor Ron Weese
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director of Operations
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance*
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Jaclyn Grossi, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
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1. Processional
Town Crier John Webster announced the commencement of the new Council
session of the 2022-2026 Term of Council for the Town of Aurora. The Mayor
and Members of Council were escorted into the Council Chambers by the St.
Andrew's College Pipers and The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385 Colour
Guard.
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2. National Anthem
Vocalist Ysabel Cattle led the assembly in the singing of the national anthem.
3. Call to Order
Town Clerk Michael de Rond called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone
present.
4. Land Acknowledgement
The Town Clerk acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and Treaty #20 territories of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day
and the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
5. Administration of the Oath of Office to the Mayor and Presentation of Mayor's
Chain of Office
Lori A. Thompson LL.B administered the declaration of the Oath of Office to
Mayor Tom Mrakas. The Town Clerk presented the Chain of Office to Mayor
Mrakas.
6. Administration of the Oath of Office to Councillors
Lori A. Thompson LL.B administered the declaration of the Oath of Office
collectively to the Members of Council.
7. Introduction of the New Members of Aurora Town Council
Mayor Mrakas assumed the Chair, extended congratulations and introduced each
of the Ward Councillors.
8. Introduction of Dignitaries and Executive Leadership Team
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Mayor Mrakas expressed appreciation for the participation of the Town Crier
John Webster, the St. Andrew's College Pipers, vocalist Ysabel Cattle, The Royal
Canadian Legion Branch 385 Colour Guard, the 140 Aurora Royal Canadian Air
Cadet Squadron, and Lori A. Thompson.
The Mayor acknowledged a number of dignitaries including former Aurora Mayor
Tim Jones, former Aurora Mayor Geoff Dawe, former Aurora Councillor Alison
Collins-Mrakas, and Aurora Public Library Chief Executive Officer Bruce Gorman.
The Mayor introduced the Town's Chief Administrative Officer and members of
the senior management team.
9. Inaugural Address by the Mayor
Mayor Mrakas welcomed everyone present and expressed appreciation to Town
Clerk Michael de Rond and Special Events Supervisor Shelley Ware and their
respective teams for organizing the inaugural event. He offered congratulations
to the new and returning Members of Council and their families. Mayor Mrakas
expressed gratitude to his family, friends, campaign team, and supporters, and
thanked the residents of Aurora for the honour of further representing the
community and their faith in all Members of Council. Mayor Mrakas presented
his inaugural address in which he outlined the vision, challenges, and priorities
for the 2022-2026 Term of Council.
10. Greetings from Councillors
Each Member of Council briefly addressed the assembly, acknowledging and
thanking their families, friends, and supporters. They recognized the efforts of all
candidates and expressed gratitude to the residents of Aurora for entrusting
them with the honour and privilege of serving the community on Council.
11. Confirming By-law
11.1 By-law No. 6461-22 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting
from a Council Inaugural meeting on November 15, 2022
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
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12. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk